FILE - In this Dec. 4, 2011, file photo, New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs runs on the field before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants on Friday, March 9, 2012, released Jacobs after seven years in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File) less

FILE - In this Dec. 4, 2011, file photo, New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs runs on the field before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants on Friday, ... more

Photo: Julio Cortez, Associated Press

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Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half of a game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2011 in East Rutherford. New Jersey.

Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half of a game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2011 in East Rutherford. New Jersey.

Photo: Rich Schultz, Getty

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New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) cheers on his teammates after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 31-27. less

New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) cheers on his teammates after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants defeated the ... more

Photo: Ross D. Franklin, Associated Press

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Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants screams as he warms up prior to playing the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. According to reports on March 9, 2012, the Giants are expected to release Jacobs. less

Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants screams as he warms up prior to playing the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. According to ... more

Photo: Al Bello, Getty Images

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Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers during their NFC Divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 15, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. According to reports on March 9, 2012, the Giants are expected to release Jacobs. less

Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers during their NFC Divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 15, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. According to ... more

Photo: Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

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49ers add heft to offensive backfield

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The 49ers' semi-crowded backfield became significantly more congested Wednesday with the addition of the NFL's largest tailback.

The Niners agreed to terms on a one-year deal with former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, 29, his agent confirmed. Jacobs, 6-foot-4 and 264 pounds, could serve as San Francisco's short-yardage back while easing the workload and providing experienced insurance for Frank Gore.

Gore, who will turn 29 in May, battled knee and ankle injuries last year although he did play in 16 games for just the second time in his seven-year career. He didn't have a 100-yard rushing performance in his final 10 games (including the two playoff games), his longest drought since his rookie season.

Jacobs will add another dimension to a running game that includes change-of-pace back Kendall Hunter, who had 668 total yards and averaged 4.2 yards a carry while spelling Gore as a rookie. The addition of Jacobs raises questions about the future of Anthony Dixon, a sixth-round pick in 2010 who averaged 3.0 yards on 29 carries last year.

In 2011, Jacobs had 576 yards, his lowest rushing total since 2006, and averaged 3.8 yards a carry with eight total touchdowns. The Giants released Jacobs on March 9 before he was due a $500,000 roster bonus. He was scheduled to earn $4.4 million in 2012. The New York Daily News reported Jacobs' deal with the Niners could be worth more than $2 million, if he reaches incentives.

Jacobs had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2007-08 and averaged 5.0 yards a carry. In the past two years, however, he's groused about a lack of carries while playing a secondary role to Ahmad Bradshaw in an increasingly pass-first offense.

ESPN analyst Jerry Rice termed Jacobs "soft" during the playoffs and even his teammates have made reference to what is perceived to be an inconsistent running style and motivation. After Jacobs' 18-carry, 72-yard performance in a November win at New England, Giants defensive end Justin Tuck said, "When that guy is motivated to play, he's tough, man."

Added safety Antrel Rolle, "He ran like he had something to prove to us, which he did."

Jacobs, who will turn 30 in July, could provide a boost to the 49ers' ground game, even on the downside of his career. In 2011, Jacobs converted five of seven 3rd-and-short situations (2 yards or less), according to Pro Football Focus. The Niners were 17 of 35 on 3rd-and-short last year. Jacobs converted 17 of 24 opportunities in all short-yardage situations.